Health authorities in Nigeria have announced an outbreak of diphtheria in the capital, Abuja, after the death of a four-year-old child.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said there had been multiple outbreaks across the country since late last year, with almost 800 confirmed cases and at least 80 deaths.
It said the vast majority of cases were among people who had not been vaccinated – despite diphtheria being covered by the country’s routine childhood immunisation programme.
The NCDC has urged the public to remain vigilant and ensure that people with symptoms to report early to health facilities for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
The NCDC said: “The FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat has activated the diphtheria Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate outbreak response activities. The key activities include but are not limited to active case finding in health facilities and communities, and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) activities to raise awareness of diphtheria”.
“Sample collection is also ongoing among suspected cases of diphtheria. As of 3rd of July 2023, only 1 confirmed case has been detected, with 7 suspected cases testing negative while others are awaiting laboratory results. No other death was recorded apart from the laboratory-confirmed case”.
Symptoms of respiratory diphtheria:
- Swollen neck lymph nodes (cervical lymphadenopathy)
- Throat is covered by a gray thick membrane
- Feeling of discomfort or illness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Wheezing
- May cause Respiratory failure
Symptoms of cutaneous diphtheria:
- Ulcers covered by a gray thick membrane
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
